Description
A simple, budget-friendly homemade elderberry syrup made with just five ingredients. This natural immune booster is tart, sweet, and packed with antioxidants, taking only about 30 minutes of active work to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried elderberries (100g)
- 4 cups water (960ml)
- 1 large cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 cup honey or maple syrup (240ml)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (optional)
- 1 strip orange peel (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dried elderberries, cinnamon stick, star anise, and optional ginger or orange peel in a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of water and stir to submerge the berries.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Watch closely to prevent boiling over, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer gently on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes until the liquid turns a deep dark purple and berries burst open. Add hot water if the level drops too low.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl, squeezing the berries to extract all liquid.
- While the liquid is still warm (not boiling), stir in the honey or maple syrup until fully dissolved.
- Pour the syrup into clean glass jars or bottles using a funnel. Let cool completely to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
Notes
Do not use fresh elderberries as they can be toxic if not cooked properly; always use dried. If using honey, ensure it is raw to preserve antimicrobial properties. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks, or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Not suitable for infants under 1 year old due to honey.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 9
- Carbohydrates: 9
Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune support, homemade syrup, natural remedy, flu season, budget friendly, 5 ingredient recipe, vegan syrup